Cook County Judge Raul Vega wins the "who's your daddy" game against Joe Walsh’s attorney

[Amerigo Vespucci]

September 14, 2011 03:44 PM
Deadbeat Dad Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) Ordered To Prove He Doesn't Owe $100,000 in Child Support
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By scarce

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Walsh’s new attorney, Janet Boyle, asked Vega “for what purpose” he wanted the congressman in court.

Vega gave her a puzzled look.

To which Boyle responded: “Mr. Walsh is a U.S. congressman.”

“Well, he’s no different than anyone else,” the judge said. Vega said he expects Rep. Walsh to show up at the next hearing, in November.

[gratuitous]

1. As I noted before

When the judge tells you your client needs to be at the next hearing, counselor, your response is "Yes, Your Honor," not "for what purpose"? I suggest, Ms. Boyle, that if your client isn't with you in court come November, you take a taxi to court and bring your toothbrush.

[AngryAmish]

2. Why would he send the lawyer to jail?

I can tell a client to show up, I can't get them out of bed and get them there. If he does not show there will be a rule to show cause issued and must be served on this Walsh guy. It means there is a warrant issued for his arrest. (not technically a warrant, but functions the same).

It is absurd to suggest that a lawyer go to jail for something his client does. It does not work that way, even in Cook County.

on further edit:

This is a civil case, not a criminal one. Clients do not need to be there unless there is a hearing planned and then only if the other side wants them there (or the judge says so).

[happyslug]

4. Actually, the Judge can NOT order the detention of the Congressman.

Under the US Constitution, Article 1, Section 6, it is FORBIDDEN to detain or arrest any member of Congress while on his or her way to or from Congress or while attending Congress. Thus the Judge can NOT nothing to this Congressmen until Congress adjoins AND he goes back to Cook County.

Article One, Section 6, Second Sentence:

The Senators and Representatives... They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#A1Sec5

In simple terms, until the Congressman returns to his home district he is safe from arrest from this Judge for being in Contempt of Court. On the other hand, once home he can be arrested.

[atreides1]

6. Maybe

But Senator Craig attempted to use that loophole after his "wide stance" appearance at an airport men's room...and it didn't work!

[wryter2000]

3. I have a new hero

:applause: Judge Vega

[Pab Sungenis]

5. The only immunity Walsh has from the law

is that he can't be arrested while on the floor of the House, or on the way to or from the Capitol. Once he stops anywhere after leaving, even at a stop light, he can be grabbed.

Does he plan to camp out on the floor of the House?

[sam11111]

7. "who daddy"? what that mean?

Nt